Online radiation mapping of K-130 Room Temperature Cyclotron using mobile robot

Abstract

High level mixed radiation fields of neutrons and gamma rays are produced during the operation of charged particle accelerators (cyclotron). Persons, associated with the operation and maintenance of the machine, have to be protected from the radiation exposure in normal and in accidental scenarios. For this, the estimation of online radiation dose rates at various locations around the machine inside the active areas, such as vault and pit (inaccessible areas during operation), and in the experimental areas is essential. This paper describes the development of a mobile robot based on-line radiation dose measurement system and the radiation mapping carried out for different beam types and energies inside the vault of the K-130 Room Temperature Cyclotron at Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata.